08/03/2026 :: The Frame Pt. 2

Big day today! I focused on getting the frame all put together, as well as the build plate with its rails and bearings.

I started with attaching the stepper motors to their respective mounts. Although I quickly realised that the holes on the printed parts were too small, so I had to drill them out a little.

Although the holes on the printed parts were slightly misaligned with those on the steppers, I managed to make it work, and the steppers are now fastened flush and securely with their mounts.

I didn't pay attention to the thread angle when I ordered the lead screw nuts which was a big problem. Luckily there was a thread cutting kit on hand, so I rethreaded the nuts. Afterwards I press-fit them into the z mounts. The fit was nice and snug, and I didn't even need to screw them in!

I also bought a make-a-bracket sheet, which proved more difficult to work than expected. I tried cutting it with a dremel, but at the rate I was going it would've taken too long for my liking.

Instead I used disc grinder which made quick work of this steel!

I then assembled the main frame after tidying up the brackets.

There was a lot of marking, drilling and screwing involved, but I got there in the end.

I'm quite happy with the result! It's nice to finally see my design taking shape, and all the emerging problems I've had to solve (and the many more to come as I continue working on this).